05/13/2020

Coronavirus Tracker: Guy Fieri, An Association’s Charitable Champ

May 13, 2020

Current updates on association response to the global COVID-19 crisis, along with a roundup of conference, travel and business news and information.

Nachos for Restaurant Worker Relief
Before the COVID–19 crisis, Food Network host and restaurateur Guy Fieri had a controversial reputation among foodies—famously highlighted by a savage New York Times review of his Times Square restaurant. But in recent weeks, the cultural tide on Fieri has shifted significantly as he’s become a champion for restaurant workers displaced by the pandemic.

In March, Fieri collaborated with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) to create the Restaurant Employee Relief Fund, which has raised $20 million to support restaurant workers around the country. More than 60,000 people have applied for $500 one-time grants from the fund, and 20,000 have received payments thus far.

“During these challenging times, the NRAEF’s mission to support the industry’s workforce is more important than ever,” NRAEF President Rob Gifford said in a statement to CNN. “With Guy as our champion and the support of so many generous companies, we can help get our family of restaurant workers back on their feet.”

Please select this link to read the complete article from Associations Now.